What You'll Find at Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier

Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier is a public fishing pier in Long Beach that extends into the San Pedro Bay, about a mile south of the Queen Mary. The pier is 1,200 feet long and sits in water that ranges from 25 to 45 feet deep depending on where you stand. You don't need a California fishing license to fish from the pier — that's the main draw for most anglers — and there's no day-use fee to walk out and cast a line.

The pier was rebuilt in 2015 after storm damage and is now one of the more stable structures along the Long Beach waterfront. It has benches, shade structures, and railings along the full length, which matters when you're standing in the sun for hours. The surface is concrete, so wear shoes with good grip if the pier gets wet from spray or cleaning.

Access is free and open to the public during daylight hours. Parking is available in the Belmont Shore lot just inland from the pier entrance, though spaces fill quickly on weekends and during summer. The nearest cross street is Livingston Drive.

Key Takeaways

  • No California fishing license is required to fish from Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier, making it accessible to visitors and locals alike.
  • The pier is 1,200 feet long with water depths between 25 and 45 feet, holding halibut, corbina, croaker, and perch year-round.
  • Summer brings barred sand bass and mackerel; fall and winter bring bonito and occasional yellowtail when baitfish schools move through the bay.
  • Bring your own rod and tackle — there are no rental services or bait shops on the pier itself, though shops exist nearby in Belmont Shore.
  • Early morning and late afternoon produce the most consistent bites, and incoming tide generally outfishes slack or outgoing water.

What Species You Can Catch Year-Round

Halibut are the bread-and-butter fish at Belmont. They hold along the sandy bottom throughout the year and respond well to live anchovies, small mackerel, or live squid fished on or near the bottom. Most halibut run 2 to 5 pounds, though 8- to 12-pounders show up regularly, especially in spring and early summer. Fish the deeper sections of the pier — the outer 400 feet — for the best chance at larger fish.

Corbina and croaker are smaller but abundant. Corbina average 1 to 2 pounds and prefer sandy areas; croaker (both white and black seabass) run slightly larger and tolerate rockier ground. Both will take small live bait, cut mackerel, or shrimp. They bite best in early morning and late afternoon, and they're more active on incoming tide.

Perch — mostly walleye and barred surfperch — school around the pier pilings and respond to small hooks baited with bloodworms, shrimp, or small pieces of squid. They're not large (most run under a pound), but they bite consistently and are good for beginners or when other species are slow.

Seasonal Shifts and Peak Times

Summer (June through August) brings barred sand bass and mackerel into the shallower water around the pier. Barred sand bass are aggressive and will hit small swimbaits, live anchovies, or even topwater plugs early in the morning. Mackerel arrive in schools and bite fast and hard on small shiny lures or live bait. Both species make summer the busiest season on the pier.

Fall (September through November) is when bonito move through San Pedro Bay. They're fast, strong, and fun on light tackle. Bonito chase baitfish schools and will take small live anchovies, sardines, or small shiny jigs. Occasional yellowtail show up in October and November when conditions align, though they're less predictable than bonito.

Winter (December through February) slows the action but doesn't stop it. Halibut remain the most reliable target, and croaker and corbina continue to bite. Water temperature drops to the mid-50s, which can slow feeding, but early morning and late afternoon still produce. Spring (March through May) sees halibut move shallow and corbina become more active as water warms.

Tackle and Bait Setup

Bring a medium-action spinning rod with 10- to 15-pound test line for most situations. A 6- to 7-foot rod gives you good casting distance and enough leverage to land halibut and larger croaker without exhaustion. If you plan to target bonito or mackerel, consider a slightly lighter setup (8- to 12-pound test) for better casting and more responsive strikes.

Live bait is the most consistent producer. Local bait shops near Belmont Shore (on Livingston Drive and nearby streets) sell live anchovies, sardines, and mackerel. Live anchovies work for nearly everything — halibut, corbina, croaker, and perch all take them. If live bait isn't available, frozen mackerel, squid, and shrimp work well for halibut and croaker, though the bite rate drops slightly.

For lures, small shiny jigs (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) in white, silver, or chartreuse work for mackerel and bonito. Swimbaits in the 2- to 3-inch range work for barred sand bass. Keep your terminal tackle simple — a basic sliding sinker rig for bottom fishing and a small swivel with a 12- to 18-inch leader for live bait work. The pier's concrete surface and railings are forgiving, so you can fish without worrying too much about snags.

Timing Your Visit for Best Results

Early morning — first light through mid-morning — is when most fish bite hardest. Corbina and croaker are especially active in the first two hours after sunrise. If you can't make early morning, late afternoon (two hours before sunset through dusk) is the second-best window. Midday fishing is possible but slower, and many anglers take a break during the heat.

Tide matters more than many beginners realize. Incoming tide generally produces more bites than outgoing or slack water, because moving water brings baitfish and makes predators more active. Check tide tables for Long Beach before you go — they're free online and will show you when incoming tide begins. Plan your visit to overlap with the incoming tide if possible.

Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, and you'll have more room to cast and move along the pier. Summer weekends can get packed, especially on Saturday and Sunday mornings. If you prefer solitude or more space to fish, visit on a weekday or in the off-season (late fall through early spring).

What to Bring and What to Expect

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water — the pier offers no shade except the structures at intervals, and the sun reflects off the water. Wear polarized sunglasses to see fish and reduce glare. Bring a cooler with ice if you plan to keep fish; the pier has no cleaning station, so you'll clean your catch at home. A small net makes landing fish easier, especially if you're fishing alone.

The pier can get windy, especially in afternoon. Wind doesn't stop fishing, but it makes casting harder and can push lighter lures off course. Bring extra tackle and be prepared to lose a few rigs to the water or to fish that break off.

Parking fills quickly on summer weekends. Arrive early (before 7 a.m.) or visit on a weekday. The pier is open during daylight hours year-round, but exact hours vary by season — call the Long Beach Parks and Recreation Department to confirm if you're visiting in early morning or late evening.

Nearby Resources and Alternatives

Bait and tackle shops are within a mile of the pier. Belmont Shore has several small shops along Livingston Drive and the surrounding blocks that stock live bait, frozen bait, and basic tackle. If you forget something, you can usually find it without leaving the area.

If Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier is crowded or not producing, the Long Beach Marine Stadium (about a mile north) and Alamitos Bay (just east) offer alternative fishing. The Marine Stadium is a protected water body with different species and less wind. Alamitos Bay has more structure and deeper channels that hold larger fish, though it requires a boat or kayak to access effectively.

The Belmont Shore beach itself can produce corbina and croaker in the shallows, especially in early morning. If you want to fish without a pier, the beach is free and open, though you'll need to wade and cast from shore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish from Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier?

No. California exempts public piers from the licensing requirement, so you can fish without a license. However, you still must follow all size and bag limits for each species. Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website for current limits before you fish.

What's the best time of year to fish Belmont Pier?

Summer (June through August) is busiest and most productive for mackerel and barred sand bass. Spring and fall offer good halibut and corbina fishing with fewer crowds. Winter is slowest but still fishable, especially early morning. Choose based on whether you prefer action or solitude.

Can I keep fish I catch, and is there a cleaning station?

Yes, you can keep fish within legal size and bag limits. There is no cleaning station on the pier, so bring a cooler with ice and plan to clean your catch at home. Some local shops may clean fish for a small fee if you ask.

What should I do if I hook something large that I can't land alone?

Other anglers on the pier will usually help you land a large fish — it's common practice. Keep your rod tip up and steady, and ask nearby fishers for assistance if you're struggling. A small net makes the job much easier.

Is the pier accessible for people with mobility issues?

The pier has a concrete surface and railings, but it is not wheelchair-accessible from the parking lot. The entrance has steps. Contact Long Beach Parks and Recreation to ask about accommodations or alternative access points.